Untethered: Navigating Identity After Structure Falls Away

When I upturned my life to sail the world, I left everything behind. My adult children, siblings, friends, my fulfilling career, even my beautiful house filled with memories —one monumental decision and I let them all go. I left only one suitcase behind – things I struggled to let go of - and followed my dream. There were no ties, no safety nets, and nothing left to bring me back – well, except family. I miss them.

As a psychologist, I understood how this shift would likely affect me. I knew that a huge part of self-identity is wrapped up in the roles we play — our profession, our social circle, our place in the family. We wear these labels for so long that they become us. "I’m a mother." "I’m a psychologist." "I live in Melbourne." These aren’t just descriptions — they’re anchors. They give us meaning and belonging. I was really proud of what I had achieved in my life’s journey.